Nemaxera betulinella
This record describes Nemaxera betulinella (species). Recorded family: Tineidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 12 to 19 mm. One of the more well-marked of the Tineidae . Well wooded areas especially areas containing Birch. The moths are on the wing from May to August, and are most often found at rest in the crevices of bark, relying on their cryptic camouflage. The larvae feed mostly on bracket fungus, especially Piptoperus betulinus , but also on rotten wood. This fungus-feeding species is locally distributed in England and has also been recorded from Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera
- Family
- Tineidae
- Genus
- Nemaxera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Well wooded areas especially areas containing Birch.
Seasonal Activity
The moths are on the wing from May to August, and are most often found at rest in the crevices of bark, relying on their cryptic camouflage.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed mostly on bracket fungus, especially
Additional species information
Recorded status
This fungus-feeding species is locally distributed in England and has also been recorded from Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Nemaxera betulinella. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Nemaxera betulinella (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nemaxera betulinella
What is Nemaxera betulinella?
Nemaxera betulinella is a species in the family Tineidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Nemaxera betulinella found?
Habitat: Well wooded areas especially areas containing Birch.
When is Nemaxera betulinella active?
Nemaxera betulinella: seasonal activity - The moths are on the wing from May to August, and are most often found at rest in the crevices of bark, relying on their cryptic camouflage..
What is the life cycle of a Nemaxera betulinella?
The larvae feed mostly on bracket fungus, especially